Before-and-after school childcare has returned to two Huron County elementary schools after the previous provider withdrew from both locations last year.
The Avon Maitland District School Board says new programs are now operating at Exeter Elementary School and Bluewater Coast Elementary School in Hensall.
Another program is expected to open at Brookside Public School near Lucknow in January.
The update was presented to trustees as part of the board's work to expand before-and-after school care across Huron and Perth counties.
AMDSB says a task force was formed last year specifically to increase the number of programs available throughout the district.
The board says "new programs have opened at Exeter ES and Bluewater Coast ES," with further expansion still being pursued.
The development comes just over a year after London Bridge Child Care announced it was withdrawing its before-and-after school programs from both schools.
The provider also ended its preschool program at Bluewater Coast.
At the time, AMDSB said the loss of care created significant challenges for local families.
"These programs are essential for parents of young children," the board said in its August 2025 announcement.
The board subsequently began working with Huron County and local municipalities to find replacement operators.
AMDSB said last year that childcare providers across Huron and Perth counties were experiencing staffing difficulties, despite significant demand for care.
It reported large waiting lists for before-and-after school programs and said available space in schools was not always enough to expand service because providers were struggling to find staff.
The board says work is continuing to add programs elsewhere in both counties.
Brookside Public School, located outside Lucknow, serves approximately 360 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and has been experiencing enrolment growth.
AMDSB says families affected by future childcare program changes or expansions will receive details directly from the board.
